Article content“That was a great year; one of the best I’ve had playing hockey,” he said. “I made a lot of great friends, and we had great coaches.” Article contentAustin said he wasn’t aware his signing meant that he and his dad would hold that unique distinction, but upon hearing it, said it’s “amazing.” Article contentAsked about what he knows about his dad as a player, Austin described him as more of a “grinder.” Article content“But he could still put the puck in the net,” he said. Article content Austin Hoyt taking a face-off last season as a member of the Pictou County U18 Major Weeks, versus the Halifax McDonald’s. Photo by File /Richard MacKenzieArticle contentArticle contentOne person who remembers Jason well as a player was his coach and general manager from back in those Bearcats’ days, Steve Crowell. Article content“He was a good, 200-foot reliable player who gave it everything he had every shift, every night,” Crowell said of the player he would regularly call up to fortify his line-up, and then eventually sign on as a junior Bearcat. Article content“He was a hometown guy who I don’t remember coming in with much fanfare, but he earned it, just by the work ethic he had,” Crowell said. “And, over time, he got to play a more important role with us.” Article contentArticle contentStill heavily involved in hockey as the general manager of the Dartmouth-based Steele Subaru U18 Major hockey team, while a Valley (Colchester County) resident, Crowell has watched Austin develop as a player as well, including last year as an opponent. Article content“I really like Austin’s game,” Crowell said. “When he gets fully developed physically, he’ll be a really good player. He is only 16 years old, so he has time on his hands. Jason didn’t really make our team full-time until he was 18, so, physically, he was ready to play in the league. And, again, a player who gave it everything he had.” Article contentAustin and the Bearcats begin their regular season this evening (Sept. 11) at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) as they host the Campbellton Tigers. Puck drop is 7 p.m. Article contentThey’re also on home ice at the RECC Saturday (Sept. 13) evening versus the Crushers. Start time is again at 7 p.m. Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle content
Like father, like son, with the Truro Bearcats
